Former Pakistan skipper and a renowned commentator Ramiz Raja, on Monday, had suggested senior players of the national side– Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik to take retirement from international cricket. Raja had opined that both the senior batsmen should leave international cricket with respect and grace.

Raja had stated that their retirement would pave way for fresh talents in the national side. Hence, Raja hinted on moving ahead and choosing new faces from the pool.

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Hafeez and Malik were recalled to the Pakistan team for the T20 format in February after remaining on the sidelines since last year’s World Cup in England. Raja, who avoids making any personal comments, lauded the duo’s contribution to Pakistan cricket. However, according to Raja, it’s time that they both bid adieu to the national side.

“I come across both during my assignments that is why I avoid making personal comments. There is no doubt both have served Pakistan cricket well all these years. But now I think it is time they gracefully retired from the Pakistan team,” Raja had said in a video conference as quoted by News 18.

‘Let’s retire gracefully together’: Shoaib Malik

“They should leave international cricket with respect and gracefully. I think if they retire now it will help Pakistan cricket. We have a good pool of players and we must move ahead,” added Raja about the future of Hafeez and Malik.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik hit back at Raja’s comment on Twitter. Malik took a dig at the commentator saying that along with him and Hafeez, Raja should also consider retiring.

“Yes, @iramizraja bhai agreed. Since all 3 of us are the end of our careers let’s retire gracefully together – I’ll call and let’s plan this for 2022? @MHafeez22 #jokes” wrote Shoaib Malik on his Twitter account.

With T20 World Cup 2020 in sight, the inclusion of both the veterans in Pakistan’s squad remains vague. Hafeez (39) has already stated his decision of retiring from all forms of cricket after the T20 World Cup. Malik, on the other hand, has not yet revealed about his future in the limited-overs format after retiring from Tests four years back.